Development of middle-range theories in nursing

Abstract

Objective: To identify in the literature how Middle-Range Theories (MRT) are being developed in Nursing. Method: Integrative review on the databases Lilacs (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences), Scopus, Cinahl (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science and PubMed portal, using the keywords middle range theory and nursing, as well its Portuguese correspondents (Lilacs), and the Boolean operator AND. The sample included 25 articles. Results: All articles presented concepts related to MRT. Most developed a synthesis picture. Some theories have formulated specific propositions, hypotheses, and names. Only 16 articles cited the methodological framework, while 22 used theories or models for theoretical foundation and 11 carried out literature reviews. Final considerations: The development of MRT included the presentation of fundamental concepts, synthesis, propositions, hypotheses and specific name. The MRT is recognized as a way of developing knowledge to guide the nursing practice.

Teoria de médio alcance do autocuidado em doenças crônicas: uma reflexão para aplicação no contexto de doenças cardiovasculares

“…Deste modo, as teorias de médio alcance têm sido desenvolvidas e utilizadas em pesquisas com a finalidade de minimizar a lacuna entre teoria e a prática de enfermagem, contribuindo para o avanço da enfermagem enquanto disciplina acadêmica e profissão (Leandro et al, 2020). Corroborando com esse pensamento, Costa (2018), afirma que as teorias de médio alcance em enfermagem contribuem para a cientificidade da profissão ao facilitarem a organização e efetivação do cuidado.…”

“…Em termos de aplicabilidade, as teorias de médio alcance, podem ser direcionadas a uma variedade de grupos e populações (Leandro et al, 2020). Por exemplo, em 2002, Whittemore e Roy, desenvolveram uma teoria de médio alcance focada no processo de adaptação dos indivíduos a Diabetes Mellitus.…”

Theoretical nursing conceptions in hospitalized child care: scoping review

“…The levels of knowledge structure in nursing are presented by Alligood & Tomey (6) and organized into: metaparadigm; philosophy; conceptual model; great theory; theory; and medium-range theory. In this sense, the theoretical conceptions of nursing encompass the view of the discipline and practice based on a key concept and the relationships between two or more nursing concepts developed for their transference in care practice (7)(8) . By using theory in daily care practice, nurses find a sense of purpose and a direction that is consistent with basic nursing values (1) .…”

Symptom management theory applied to nursing care: scoping review

“…Nursing theories constitute a set of concepts with the proposal of specific results that vary according to their scope and propositions representing, in general, the description of the properties and dimensions of a concept (1) , i.e. an idea or mental construction that comprises abstract attributes of reality, inserted in a context, and that can be applicable (e.g.…”

“…The application of a theory in the nursing care process aims the scientific support for the clinical practice and nursing actions (2) , besides contributing to the development and expansion of Nursing knowledge and its evolution as a profession and science (1)(2) .…”